Chapter 8. Homelessness and Oral Health

Introduction In Canada, dentistry is generally funded as an employment-based benefit or as an out-of-pocket expense rather than via the public health care system. Consequently, socioeconomic status heavily influences access to dental treatment. In this system, persons experiencing poverty and homelessness face significant barriers to oral health care. The links between poverty and poor oral health are well documented, as is the importance of good oral health to overall health and well-being. ..